Klitschko does not want legendary status

Klitschko has been world champion since 2006 making 17 title defences which is the second longest reign behind Louis, who holds the record of 25 heavyweight title defences from 1937 to 1950.

"I don't want put myself in line with those legends," Klitschko said.

"They are still icons in my mind and I respect and love them for what they've done. I understand I'm stepping in the footsteps of them, but I'm not going to put myself in line with them.

"I am just enjoying my game and I hope I can make my game successful and win other fights. I'm not going to compare myself with those guys."

Klitschko (63-3, 53 KOs) has dominated the heavyweight division for nearly a decade but hasn't fought in America since beating Sultan Ibragimov of Russia at Madison Square Garden in 2008.

He will be in action in the US on April 25 in a heavyweight championship bout against Philadelphia's Bryant Jennings at the Garden.

"My late coach Emanuel Steward kept saying, ‘People can complain about different styles and everything, but you have to keep winning and all the big exciting fights will keep coming up,' " Klitschko said.

Even though he is turning 39 next month, Klitschko feels he's still improving.

"I'm continuing to climb toward the peak of the hill, but nobody knows what the peak is," he said. "I'm going to keep climbing and keep climbing.

"When I was 32 I thought things couldn't be better, but things were changing; my endurance was changing; my balance was changing; my condition is better; it was all adding to my physical capabilities. It was something that even surprised me."